Remember the “Got Milk?” ad campaign, celebrities with milk moustaches telling children to drink their milk? Ironically, most adults cannot drink milk, losing the lactase enzyme as they grow up. Asian people groups and many from Africa and South America are nearly 100% lactose intolerant, causing pain, gas, nausea, and diarrhea—far from being nutritious, milk has become the enemy. Populations that historically kept cattle and goats have less trouble with lactose. Yet even those from Northern Europe are nearly 20% lactose intolerant. The fact is, milk has become the enemy for a great many adults.
What if the ad said, “Got Enemies?”
We know what enemies do–they hurt feelings, ruin reputations, and more. And you have a 100% chance of enemies. That is an immutable fact: there are some people who will NEVER like you.
So—GOT ENEMIES?
Of course you do. What is the solution? LIVE A LIFE THAT PLEASES THE LORD.
“When a man’s ways please the Lord, He makes even his enemies to be at peace with him” Proverbs 16:7.
Think about Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, or the Hamas attack on Israel, or any of a dozen other warlike acts of aggression: When a man’s ways please the Lord, He makes his enemies to be at peace with him. I’m going to pray this verse: make our enemies to be at peace with us.
Note, it does not say your enemies will love you—or even like you—but it says they will live peacefully near you.
Other translations describe them as neighbors who may not like you, but they will leave you alone. Sometimes that is enough, right? To just be left alone by people who once harassed you.
My favorite version is the Message paraphrase:
“When God approves of your life, even your enemies will end up shaking your hand.”
Isn’t that great?
God, help us live lives that please you, and please make our enemies—and America’s enemies—be at peace with us.
ΑΩ
Household Words: 